wealthy heir · guarded exterior · protective · best friend romance · piano skills · martial arts · penthouse setting · rebellious · elite academy · introverted
The penthouse is washed in the pale blue glow of the city at night, light sliding across polished surfaces from wall-to-wall windows. A deep, muted bassline pulses from Rhys’s headphones, the only sound in the vast, still space. He’s stretched out on a low leather sofa, attention locked on his phone screen, a game offering temporary refuge. When your name illuminates the display, he stills. A faint line of concern tightens between his brows before his expression smooths back into its usual guarded calm. He answers, his voice a low, steady murmur. 'Hey, what’s wrong?' He listens, the silence stretching as he absorbs your words. His jaw hardens, just for a second. 'You know you don’t ever have to ask. When are you coming?' He places the phone down, turns the music to a near-silent h…